Best 9 Lighter Chicken Parmigiana Recipes

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Indulge in a healthier version of the classic Italian-American dish with this collection of lighter chicken parmesan recipes. These recipes offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, featuring succulent chicken breasts coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, topped with a tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

Whether you're looking for a traditional baked chicken parmesan or a healthier air fryer version, this article has you covered. Discover a recipe that uses whole-wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese for a nutritious twist. For those seeking a gluten-free option, there's a recipe that utilizes almond flour and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Explore a unique recipe that incorporates flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and spinach into the breadcrumb mixture, adding an extra layer of depth and nutrition. Another recipe introduces a delightful parmesan-herb crust, creating a crispy and aromatic coating for the chicken.

Also included is a recipe that takes inspiration from traditional eggplant parmesan, using thin slices of chicken instead of eggplant. This variation offers a lighter alternative while maintaining the essence of the classic dish.

Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and nutritional information to guide you through the cooking process and help you make informed choices. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these lighter chicken parmesan recipes, perfect for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHT CHICKEN PARMESAN



Light Chicken Parmesan image

Provided by Barbara Bakes LLC

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable cooking spray
3 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally into 6 cutlets)
2 cups quick tomato sauce (warmed (see below))
3 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced)
2 cans (15 ounces crushed tomatoes in rich puree)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 475 degrees. Combine the bread crumbs and oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, about 10 minutes. Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow dish and cool slightly; when cool, stir in the Parmesan.
  • In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together. In a third shallow dish, whisk the egg whites and water together.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray the rack with vegetable oil spray. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the cutlets in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg whites, and finally coat with the bread crumbs, Press on the bread crumbs to make sure they adhere. Lay the chicken on the wire rack.
  • Spray the tops of the chicken with vegetable oil spray. Bake until the meat is no longer pink in the center and feels firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes, flipping to the other side after 10 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the sauce onto the center of each cutlet and top the sauce with 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella. Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and serve, passing the remaining sauce and Parmesan separately.
  • Quick Tomato Sauce: Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt and heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Cover and set aside until needed.

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMIGIANA



Lighter Chicken Parmigiana image

A nicely seasoned breading coats the tender chicken breasts in this attractive entree. When I have extra time, I make my own herbed tomato sauce instead of using prepared spaghetti sauce. -Rhonda Schiel of Magnolia, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup egg substitute
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 jar (26 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and salt. In another bowl, beat egg substitute. Dip chicken in egg substitute, then roll in crumbs. Place in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray., Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 10 minutes. Turn chicken; bake for 10 minutes. Pour spaghetti sauce over chicken; bake for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses; bake 10 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 412 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 1420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

QUICK BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN



Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan image

In this lighter version of chicken Parmesan I skip the pan-frying in oil and instead bake lightly-breaded chicken breasts in the oven, then top with sauce and cheese. My family's not big on lots of sauce and cheese, so I just use a little to flavor the dish. Feel free to add more if you like, but it's excellent as-is. Serve chicken over pasta with additional sauce.

Provided by ChristineM

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Parmesan Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

canola oil cooking spray
½ cup water
1 egg, beaten
1 ½ cups bread crumbs
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 cups spaghetti sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Whisk water and egg together in a bowl until smooth. Combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder in a separate bowl.
  • Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip back into bowl. Coat each chicken breast in bread crumb mixture, shaking off excess. Repeat dipping each coated chicken breast in the egg mixture and the bread crumb mixture for a double-coating and place in the prepared baking dish. Spray breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Pour spaghetti sauce over each chicken breast and top each with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese. Continue baking until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the cheeses are melted, about 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.2 calories, Carbohydrate 32.6 g, Cholesterol 116.3 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 37.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 803.4 mg, Sugar 9.5 g

HEALTHY CHICKEN PARMESAN



Healthy Chicken Parmesan image

What makes this Chicken Parmesan healthier than usual? Only one side of the chicken has breading, whole-wheat breadcrumbs sub in for white, and an egg white replaces a whole one.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, torn into pieces
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 large egg white
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6 to 8 ounces each)
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (3 ounces)
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, in puree
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper third. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; set aside. In a food processor, place bread, Parmesan, oil, and a pinch each salt and pepper. Pulse until coarse crumbs form; transfer to a shallow bowl. Place flour in a second shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper. Place egg white in a third shallow bowl, and beat with a fork until frothy.
  • Dip top side of a chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip same side in egg white, letting excess drip off, then in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. (Do not bread other side.) Repeat with remaining chicken and transfer, breaded side up, to prepared baking sheet. Bake until breadcrumbs are crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with mozzarella. Continue baking until chicken is opaque throughout and cheese is lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, place tomatoes, breaking them up with your fingers. Add garlic; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve chicken with a generous amount of tomato sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389 g, Fat 8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 56 g

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA



Chicken Parmigiana image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole medium onion, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded flat
1 pound thin linguine
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3/4 cups chicken stock
Three 14.5-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more if needed
Basil chiffonade, for serving
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Mix the flour and some salt and pepper together on a large plate. Dredge the flattened chicken breasts in the flour mixture. Set aside.
  • Cook the linguine until al dente.
  • Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the oil/butter mixture is hot, fry the chicken breasts until nice and golden brown on each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
  • Without cleaning the skillet, add the garlic and onions and gently stir for 2 minutes. Pour in the stock and scrape the bottom of the pan, getting all the flavorful bits off the bottom. Allow the stock to cook down until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the sugar and more salt and pepper to taste. Allow to cook for 30 minutes.
  • Toward the end of the cooking time, add the chopped parsley and give the sauce a final stir.
  • Carefully lay the chicken breasts on top of the sauce and completely cover them in the grated Parmesan. Place the lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow to simmer until the cheese is melted and the chicken is thoroughly heated. Add more cheese to taste.
  • Place the cooked noodles on a plate and cover with the sauce. Place the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with more parsley and the basil chiffonade. Serve immediately.

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN



Lighter Chicken Parmesan image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 16m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

One 24-ounce jar good-quality marinara sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
12 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler to medium. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Combine the marinara sauce and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, half the parsley and some salt and pepper. Put the beaten egg whites in a separate shallow dish. Coat the chicken tenders in the egg whites first, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
  • Heat the oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken, scatter the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan evenly over top and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta. Serve with the chicken and garnish with the remaining parsley.

EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN



Easy Chicken Parmesan image

The super thing about this dish is that you get full flavour without having to brown the chicken.

Provided by Cracker Barrel

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     CRACKER BARREL Shreds

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 ½ cups pasta sauce
6 tablespoons CRACKER BARREL Finely Shredded 100% Parmesan Cheese
6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
330 grams spaghetti, uncooked
1 ½ cups CRACKER BARREL Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Pour sauce into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Stir in 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) Parmesan. Add chicken; turn to evenly coat both sides of each breast with sauce. Cover.
  • Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is done (165 degrees F). Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt.
  • Top chicken with remaining cheeses; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until mozzarella is melted.
  • Drain spaghetti. Serve topped with chicken and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.9 calories, Carbohydrate 55.4 g, Cholesterol 59.7 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 36.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 754.4 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

LIGHTER CHICKEN PARMESAN RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Lighter Chicken Parmesan Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by á-5015

Number Of Ingredients 22

Tomato Sauce:
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (whole wheat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus extra for serving
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper
2 large egg whites
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable cooking spray
3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced horizontally into 6 cutlets
2 cups quick tomato sauce, warmed (see below)
3 ounces shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 quart tomato puree
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon basil

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 475 degrees. Combine the bread crumbs and oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat, stirring often, until golden, about 10 minutes. Spread the bread crumbs in a shallow dish and cool slightly; when cool, stir in the Parmesan and Italian seasoning. In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together. In a third shallow dish, whisk the egg whites and water together. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray the rack with vegetable oil spray. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the cutlets in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg whites, and finally coat with the bread crumbs, Press on the bread crumbs to make sure they adhere. Lay the chicken on the wire rack. Spray the tops of the chicken with vegetable oil spray. Bake until the meat is no longer pink in the center and feels firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the sauce onto the center of each cutlet and top the sauce with 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella. Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the basil and serve, passing the remaining sauce and Parmesan separately. To make the tomato sauce, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Add puree, paste, red pepper flakes, and salt and heat until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in basil. Cover and set aside until needed.

COOKING LIGHT MAGAZINE'S CHICKEN PARMESAN



Cooking Light Magazine's Chicken Parmesan image

Make and share this Cooking Light Magazine's Chicken Parmesan recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Amber W.

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1 3/4 cups spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; flatten to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  • Dip chicken in egg; dredge in crumbs.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, and cook 2 minutes on each side or until browned.
  • Pour spaghetti sauce over chicken. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses. Cover and simmer 5 more minutes or until cheese melts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 452.6, Fat 25.9, SaturatedFat 10.5, Cholesterol 167.9, Sodium 672, Carbohydrate 15, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 5.7, Protein 37.9

Tips:

  • Use a flavorful tomato sauce. This is the base of the dish, so make sure it's packed with flavor. You can use a store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.
  • Don't skip the breading step. This is what gives the chicken its crispy coating.
  • Cook the chicken until it's golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
  • Serve the chicken parmigiana with your favorite sides. Some popular options include pasta, rice, and vegetables.

Conclusion:

Chicken parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give chicken parmigiana a try.

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